One Eggstraordinary Day; Achievement by viral campaign – The Last Laugh, Ormiston Venture Academy; Achievement in a trailer – GR Travel; Achievement in costume design – Behind; Achievements with credits or VFX – The Last Laugh; Achievements in score – 4 of a Kind, Denes High School; Achievement in sound – The Last Laugh; The Vision 2013 audience award – The Last Laugh and One Eggstraordinary Day; Mentor award –

One Eggstraordinary Day; Achievement in writing/screenplay – GR Travel; Achievement by an actress in leading role – Anna Watson, Unnamed, Beccles Free School; Achievement by an actor in a leading role –

Ryan Martins, The Last Laugh; Achievement in teamwork – GR Travel; Achievement in producing – 4 of a Kind; Achievement in directing – The Last Laugh; Essex & Suffolk Water award for best picture 2013 – The Last Laugh.

There was an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation as students from Lowestoft’s Denes High and Pakefield High schools, Lowestoft Sixth Form College, Beccles Free School and Ormiston Venture Academy in Gorleston, prepared to find out how judges had rated their five-minute shorts.

The paparazzi lined up along the red carpet to snap the young actors and film-makers as they made their entrance dressed in smart black suits and evening gowns.

Inside, waiters circulated with trays of canapés and drinks as sponsors and local dignitaries chatted with the entrants and their families and teachers.

Awards were presented in a host of categories by VIP guests, including Waveney MP Peter Aldous, actor Reece Ritchie and London film producer Richard Hart.

The team from Lowestoft Sixth Form College had a successful night, receiving eight awards for their film GR Travel.

Their teacher Joy Chidgey, left, was also honoured for her work with the mentor award. She said: “It is fantastic but it is all about the students and their hard work.

“They have put the whole thing together and I was just there to make sure they hit their deadlines. It was a fantastic experience and I am so proud of them.”

Ryan Martins, Alastair Nicholls and Connor Eke, from Ormiston Venture Academy, also left with a clutch of awards for their film The Last Laugh. The short film about a clown that has lost his laugh picked up seven awards, including best actor for Ryan Martins, achievement in directing and best picture.

Ryan said: “It was an absolutely amazing experience and one we will never forget.”

Connor added: “I never thought we would get so many awards. It was the experience of a lifetime and so much fun.”

Students spent 10 weeks writing and making their films with guidance and support from Seagull staff. They also had a chance to get tips and training from industry professionals at a series of master classes.

A number of winners thanked the Seagull’s manager and festival organiser, John Hales, for the opportunity to take part during their acceptance speech.

Mr Hales, who compered the evening, praised the award sponsors and the volunteers at the Seagull who had helped organise the event

He said: “This just reminds me why we fight to do what we do with next to no money.

“Seeing so many kids here all feeling important, having fun and being taken seriously makes it all worthwhile. For me it is a massive joy to see all these people coming together as well.

“When you start a project you never know how it is going to turn out. You do everything you can but they have utterly exceeded my expectations.

“I really hope people will look at what has happened here and want to get behind this. There is no limit to what we could do if we had the resources.”

The festival was supported this year by Essex & Suffolk Water, Suffolk County Council, The Journal, MR King and Guys Carpets.

Anyone who would like to be involved with the 2014 awards can contact Mr Hales on 01502 589726.

You currently have JavaScript disabled, functionality will be limited

PHOTO GALLERY: Vision Film Festival

shares

Guests arrive at the Seagull Theatre for the Vision Film Festival 2013

Staff from the Seagull Theatre present an award at the Vision Film Festival 2013